The infection in the lungs caused by fungi is known scientifically as aspergillosis. This name is due to the fungus that causes the pathology, which is known as Aspergillus . Due to this alteration, blood clots, white cells and the fiber of the fungus can accumulate in the lungs. Although this fungus appears more frequently in the lung cavities, it can rarely appear in other organs such as the kidneys or the brain, so it must be treated quickly.
As it is a fungus and not a virus or bacteria, the treatment is different and it is important that a specialist find the correct process to eliminate them, so it is essential to carry out a medical consultation. If you don’t know much about this disorder, in the following FastlyHealarticle you will find information about fungal infection in the lungs: symptoms .
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Pulmonary aspergilloma: causes
The pulmonary infection known as aspergillosis occurs when fungi called Aspergillus grow in the lung cavity, however, this alteration can develop in various tissues and organs of the body, not only in the lungs.
This fungus is very common and usually grows on dead leaves, bird manure, fertilizers, stored grains, among others. Despite this, this pathogenic microorganism can also be found inside homes, since it can develop in air conditioners, heaters, certain foods, spices and in insulation. Being exposed to this fungus on a daily basis is not usually a problem for those who have a strong and healthy immune system since, when inhaling the spores of the fungus, the cells of the immune system destroy them, however, this does not happen with the people who have a weak immune system , so it can be installed in the body and cause aspergillosis.
At the same time, people can get a fungal infection in the lungs due to various pathologies such as:
- Cystic Fibrosis .
- Tuberculosis.
- Coccidioidomycosis or San Joaquin fever.
- Lung cancer.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Lung abscess
- Histoplasmosis.
What are the symptoms of fungus in the lungs
Generally, fungal infections in the lungs tend to present symptoms very similar to a common respiratory infection , so it is important that the patient turns to their doctor for the corresponding controls to identify the alteration and, at the same time, get treatment more correct for your case.
The symptom that most characterizes a fungal infection in the lungs is constant coughing and, on many occasions, this symptom is accompanied by clear mucus that is sometimes expelled with coughing, however, mucus may also be noticed. red color , which indicates the presence of blood and means that it is an advanced level of the pathology. In such serious cases, it is essential to go urgently to specialists because the result could be fatal. In the following FastlyHealarticle we talk about coughing up blood .
At the same time, patients suffering from a fungal lung infection may experience constant chest discomfort . This pain that does not usually decrease but increases with coughing can lead to certain breathing difficulties.
In most cases, people with this type of infection tend to have a higher than normal body temperature . This symptom becomes very difficult to control, since it does not usually disappear or decrease even with the correct medications. This is why many also suffer from chills .
Likewise, aspergillosis patients may have chronic fatigue and large weight loss unintentionally; however, the symptoms can be diverse or exist some more specific when the fungi manage to affect other organs.
Fungi in the lungs: treatment
Some people infected by the Aspergillus fungus in their lungs may not present any symptoms, being sufficient to monitor it through chest x-rays and only if it progresses is the administration of medications recommended. Although many patients do not require a specific treatment, it is essential to undergo one when there is evidence of blood in the mucus ; however, certain specialists may prescribe some antifungal medications . Inappropriate consumption of these drugs can further alter the patient’s health status, so it is important not to self-medicate and strictly follow the specialist’s instructions.
In case the person is coughing up blood, it is important to go to an emergency center so that doctors inject a contrast medium to detect the site of the bleeding and stop it, which is achieved with surgery to remove the aspergilloma or through a procedure in which a special material is entered into the body into the blood vessels.This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Fungal infection in the lungs: symptoms , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.